Felicia Fields

The Color Purple is still a few months away from making it’s Chicago premiere but the buzz and excitement for the show is as high as ever. Native Chicagoan Felicia Fields, who currently stars as Sofia in the Broadway production and who will also star in the Chicago production, sat down with Theatre In Chicago to talk about the show, her role, and the huge amount of anticipation of the Chicago premiere in April 2007. Listen to the interview Stream or Download MP3

Last week the producers of The Color Purple announced that in less than a year the production has recouped its entire $11 million investment. Since its first preview in 2005 The Color Purple has the highest cumulative attendance figures of any new Broadway show of the 2005-2006 season. Nearly 750,000 audience members from across the country and around the world have seen the production. It continues to do brisk business a year after its opening, and $7 million worth of tickets have already been sold for the production set to open in Chicago in April. Also, the themed merchandise is selling well. Patrons have bought $5 million worth of The Color Purple souvenirs, twice the merchandise sales of a typical show.

Directed by Gary Griffin, The Color Purple features a libretto by Pulitzer Prize-winner Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winning composers/lyricists Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. The Color Purple is an inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who – through love – finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. Set to a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues, The Color Purple is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love and a celebration of life.

Ben Brantley of The New York Times said, “A bright odyssey of survival and triumph with a fairy tale sense of wonder. Purple strikes sparks.” “Pure heart! Celebrates the inspiring relationships of faith and love, A Broadway hit!” raved Elysa Gardner from USA Today, Roma Tore at NY1 News stated, “A winner! So full of heart, The Color Purple sings to the soul.”

"The success of The Color Purple is a testament to the true power and universal appeal of the story and how these characters have resonated with the public," the show's producer, Scott Sanders, said.

One of the musical's strongest selling points was Oprah Winfrey's participation. The television superstar invested $1 million in the show and has put performers from the musical on her popular TV show. Plus her name is featured prominently in the musical's advertising.

With the excitement level so high, Chicago theatre patrons should purchase tickets to the show soon as it will surely be sold out. The musical will play the Cadillac Palace Theatre located at 151 West Randolph from April 17 – July 8. Tickets for The Color Purple are available now at Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (151 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 24 W. Randolph St.), through the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (312) 902-1400, at all Ticketmaster ticket centers or online at ticketmaster.com.